The Death of Socrates and The US Constitution

The Death of Socrates and The US Constitution didn't really share any of the same views, however, the two were similar in two aspects which were the facts that they both shared the same idea of a "speedy" trial by a jury with no biased opinions, as well as the fact that certain rights that the people had could not be denied by the Congress.
tbj_jury.gif

The US Constitution states in Amendment six that “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed...” The Death of Socrates talks about how Socrates was tried by a jury, that had no biased opinions, and convicted of corrupting the younger children of that generation. Socrates was condemned to death because of his questioning of the gods, nevertheless, he was given a quick trial and was condemned to drink poison. During the year of 399 B.C there weren't really fair trials due to the fact that at the time Greece was still trying to build their new government and start a new democracy.

Why do you suppose Socrates was executed for sharing his ideas?

balance.jpgcaroline's_court_picture.jpg


The US Constitution also states in Amendment nine, "...certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Socrates believed in the same principle. He thought he had the right to express his own ideas as a civilian. He also didn't believe he had done anything wrong when he questioned the gods or talked to the children about his ideas.

Do you believe Socrates was justified in spreading his beliefs and principles to people? Why or why not?

socrates_trial.jpg